Optical spectra and gain properties of Er3+:Lu2O3 ceramics for eye-safe 1.5-μm lasers

Abstract

The Er 3+ -doped Lu 2 O 3 ceramics were successfully prepared by high temperature vacuum sintering of nanopowders using lantana as a sintering additive. The absorption coefficient and absorption cross-section of Er 3+ ions in Lu 2 O 3 ceramics at 980 nm were 3.3 cm −1 and 1.65·10 −21 cm 2 , respectively. The emission cross-section at 1534 nm was calculated to be 9.1·10 −21 cm 2 . The fluorescence decay lifetime of 4 I 13/2 energy level was 7.2 ± 0.2 ms. The positive gain cross-section at 1534 nm can be achieved if the inversion ratio P is 0.5 or higher. All results show that Er:Lu 2 O 3 ceramics can be used as potential active medium for mid-infrared lasers operated at 1.5 μm. • The Er 3+ -doped Lu 2 O 3 ceramics were successfully prepared by vacuum sintering. • The absorption cross section of Er 3+ ions in Lu 2 O 3 ceramics were reported. • All results show that Er:Lu 2 O 3 ceramics can be used for 1.5 μm lasers.